April 2024

Foot protection is a critical aspect of workplace safety that often goes overlooked. Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, or any other industry, ensuring the safety of your feet is essential for preventing injuries and maintaining productivity. A variety of hazards, including heavy objects, sharp materials, electrical equipment, and slippery surfaces, pose risks to the feet in the workplace. Choosing appropriate footwear, such as steel-toed boots, non-slip shoes, or puncture-resistant soles, can provide vital protection against these dangers. Additionally, proper fitting footwear with sufficient support and cushioning reduces the risk of discomfort, fatigue, and long-term foot problems. By recognizing the importance of foot protection and taking proactive measures, both employers and workers can create safer, more secure work environments. If you have incurred a foot injury while at work, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment plans, in addition to providing you with information about foot protection during your workday. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Choosing the right running shoe is vital for enhancing comfort, preventing injuries, and optimizing performance. When selecting a running shoe, it is essential to consider factors such as arch types, and pronation, which is the natural inward rolling motion of the foot during the running gait cycle. Understanding your pronation pattern, whether neutral, overpronation, or excessive inward rolling, and supination, or insufficient inward rolling, can guide you in choosing the appropriate shoe features. For example, individuals with overpronation may benefit from stability or motion-control shoes with added support to help correct excessive inward rolling. Conversely, those with neutral pronation may opt for neutral cushioned shoes offering balanced support and flexibility. Additionally, considering your arch type whether it is high, medium, or low can further refine your shoe selection, as certain shoes are designed to accommodate different arch heights and provide adequate support. If you are interested in learning what type of arch you have that will help you in buying the right running shoe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Hammertoe, a common foot deformity, can be attributed to various underlying factors, including rheumatoid arthritis, bunions, and corns. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation in the joints, can lead to the weakening of the muscles and ligaments in the toes, causing them to contract and deform over time. Similarly, bunions, bony protrusions that form at the base of the big toe, can exert pressure on adjacent toes, causing them to bend abnormally. Additionally, corns, thickened areas of skin caused by friction or pressure, can also contribute to hammertoe by forcing the toes into a bent position. Over time, these factors can result in the development of hammertoe, characterized by a permanent bend in one or more toes. Understanding the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis, bunions, corns, and hammertoe is important for implementing preventive measures and seeking appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent further deformity. If you have developed this foot condition, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat hammertoe.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

If you have any questions please contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Your feet, often overlooked, hold valuable clues about your overall health. They serve as a mirror reflecting various underlying conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Paying attention to subtle signs can provide insight into your well-being. For instance, cold feet could indicate poor circulation, while dry, cracked skin might suggest dehydration or a nutrient deficiency. Swelling may signal issues with your heart, kidneys, or lymphatic system. Additionally, changes in toenails, such as discoloration or thickening, may hint at fungal infections or more serious ailments like diabetes or psoriasis. Moreover, persistent foot pain might not just be due to overuse but could signify conditions like plantar fasciitis or arthritis. Therefore, by observing and heeding the messages your feet convey, you can take proactive steps toward maintaining optimal health and addressing potential concerns before they escalate. After all, your feet are more than just the foundation of your body, they are valuable indicators of your overall well-being. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who may find underlying health issues and offer you specific treatment plans.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toe pain, though often overlooked, can significantly impact daily life and mobility. Several factors can contribute to toe discomfort, ranging from minor injuries to underlying medical conditions. Stubbing or jamming the toe, for instance, can result in acute pain and swelling. Additionally, wearing ill-fitting shoes or high heels can cause pressure and friction, leading to conditions like corns, calluses, or ingrown toenails. Arthritis, whether osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the joints in the toes, causing chronic pain and stiffness. Moreover, fungal infections like athlete's foot can manifest as itching, burning, and pain between the toes. Symptoms of toe pain may vary depending on the underlying cause but commonly include tenderness, swelling, redness, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected toe. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for relieving toe pain and preventing further complications. If your toe pain persists, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can determine what the cause is, and offer appropriate treatment solutions.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.